BTN News: Eating healthy is very important, especially for pregnant women. Doctors say pregnant women should eat fruits, vegetables, beans, some meats, and grains. Swiss chard is one vegetable that is very good during pregnancy. It can be eaten raw or cooked and helps prevent some birth defects. Let’s learn why Swiss chard is good and how it helps during pregnancy.
Swiss Chard is Very Good for Pregnant Women and Helps Prevent Birth Defects
The Mayo Clinic says a balanced diet helps prevent birth defects. The American Academy of Pediatrics says pregnant women need 400 micrograms of folic acid (vitamin B9) every day to reduce the risk of birth defects. Swiss chard is very good for women before and during pregnancy because it has many nutrients.
Swiss chard has vitamins A, C, and K. It also has minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients help the immune system, protect the heart, and improve digestion. Swiss chard is high in folic acid, which helps make red blood cells and prevents some birth defects.
Swiss Chard is Full of Important Nutrients Needed During Pregnancy
Adding Swiss chard to a pregnant woman’s diet gives many important nutrients. Here is a closer look at the vitamins and minerals in this vegetable:
- Vitamin A: Good for eye health and the immune system.
- Vitamin C: Helps repair tissues and supports the immune system.
- Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
- Potassium: Keeps fluids balanced and muscles working well.
- Iron: Needed to make hemoglobin and prevent anemia.
- Magnesium: Helps muscles and nerves work and controls blood sugar levels.
- Folic Acid: Needed to make DNA and red blood cells and prevents birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
Swiss Chard Has Many Benefits and is Easy to Add to Your Diet
Swiss chard has many benefits, making it a great choice for pregnant women:
- Supports the Immune System: Vitamins and minerals in Swiss chard help the immune system and protect against illness.
- Good for the Heart: Potassium and magnesium help the heart work well and keep blood pressure normal.
- Helps Digestion: Fiber in Swiss chard helps digestion and prevents constipation, which is common during pregnancy.
- Helps Baby’s Development: Folic acid in Swiss chard is important for the baby’s development and helps prevent defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
Swiss Chard is Easy to Find and Can be Used in Many Dishes
Swiss chard is healthy and easy to use in different meals. You can eat it raw in salads, cook it as a side dish, or add it to soups and stews. It is also cheap and easy to find in stores, making it a good choice for many people.
Adding Swiss chard to the diet of pregnant women gives many health benefits. It helps both the mother and the baby. Its many nutrients and easy use in meals make it a great choice for a pregnancy diet. Always talk to a doctor before changing your diet during pregnancy. By eating healthy foods like Swiss chard, pregnant women can have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
